Latch mechanism



Sept. 30, 195$ Filed June 11, 1956 H. E. GRAVES ETAL LATCH MECHANISM 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVEN T 0R5 HAROLD E. GRAVES 5 HAROLD E GRAVES JR.

ATTORNEY Sept. 30, 1958 H. E. GRAVES ETAL LATCH MECHANISM 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed June 11, 1956.

INVENTORS HAROLD E. GRAVES HAROLD E. GRAVES JR.

ATTORNEY Unitd States LATCH MECHANISM Harold E. Graves and Harold E. Graves, .lr., Akron, Ohio, assignors to Brown-Graves Company, Akron. flhio, a corporation of Ohio Application June 11, 1956, Serial No. 590,449

11 Claims. (Cl. 292-143) This invention relates to locking means, and in particular, has reference to a strike and latch type of locking mechanism having particular utility in connection with casement windows of the swingable hinge type, that are operated by a crank operator.

In the art of casement windows, it has long been known that the same can be moved about a hinge point by the use of a crank operator that includes a movable sector arm secured to the casement window. Various types and styles of locking mechanisms for such windows have been provided by the prior art, and in general, operates satisfactorily with hinged type casement windows.

However, in the field of sliding hinge casement windows, it has been found that the ordinary locking means will be unsatisfactory due to the fact that the movable sash portion must be slightly open or cracked before the crank operator means can be brought into efiicient operation due to the fact that a compound movement of the distal portion of the movable sash is required in such windows.

Accordingly, it has been found in the prior art that the known prior art types of locking mechanisms are incapable of efiicient use with respect to sliding hinge types of casement windows, due to the fact that the same do not provide, upon operation, the requisite opening or cracking movement that is needed to permit operation of the crank operated units.

It, accordingly, becomes the principal object of this invention to provide a locking means for sliding hinge casement windows that is characterized by the fact that the same, upon opening movement, will have the component parts thereof co-act together to slightly open the movable sash portion with respect to the fixed frame portion.

It is the still further object of this invention to provide a locking means for sliding hinge type of casement windows that is capable of utilization with respect to off-set interior surfaces that are provided on the fixed frame and movable sash portions of the easement window.

These and other objects of the invention will become more apparent upon a reading of the following brief specification considered and interpreted in the light of the accompanying drawings.

Of the drawings:

Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a latch and strike mechanism comprising an improved closure means.

Figure 2 is a horizontal section taken through the point of juncture of a movable sash and fixed frame equipped with the improved closure means.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the latch means.

Figure 4 is a side elevation of the strike plate.

Figure 5 is an end view taken on the lines 55 of Figure 4.

Figure 6 is a vertical View showing the position of the component parts at one stage of closure.

Figures 7 and 8 are views similar to Figure 6, but

Patented Sept. 30, 1958 showing the position of component parts in different stages of closure and opening.

Referring first to Figure 2 of the drawings, the improved closure means, generally designated by the numeral 10, is shown as comprising a latch member 11 that has a latch tongue 12 thereof co-acting with a strike plate 13; the arrangement being such that the latch member 11 and the strike plate 13 are respectively secured to vertical stiles 14 and 15 of the fixed frame and movable sash. In this regard, it is to be noted that the detail of Figure 2 further includes the usual lipped edge 16 that is provided on the extreme distal portion of the movable sash 15, while the stile 14 of the fixed frame also includes a stop 17 and a screen member 18, the latter being undercut in its medial inner face to permit reception of the latch member 11.

Referring next to Figures 1 and 3 for a description of the latch member 11, it will be seen that the same includes a mounting base 2% having superimposed thereon a second plate-like structure 21 that is off-set inwardly of its opposed longitudinal ends so as to define a central portion 22 that is spaced from the equivalent portion of the mounting plate 2% to define an elongated chamber 23 within which the latch tongue 12 may be reciprocated as will be presently described. In this regard, it is to be understood that the plates 26 and 21 include the usual through apertures 269a, 2 3a that facilitate mounting of the same with respect to the stile 14 in the manner shown in Figure 2 of the drawings.

To this end, the portion 22 further defines adjacent one longitudinal edge th reof a hollow triangular shaped housing 24 that includes a pivotal member 25 about which may be actuated a handle 26; the arrangement being such that movement of the handle 26 about pivot pin results in equivalent arcuate movement of an integral guide pin 27 (see Figure 6) that is received within the slot 28 of the latch tongue 12.

As is best shown from Figures 1, 3 and 6 of the drawings, the latch tongue 12 is of generally L-shaped configuration so as to include leg portions 2) and 3%} that are respectively slidingly received in the hollow housing 24 and the vertical chamber 23 with the leg portion 34) defining a tongue segment 31 that is provided with a double contour for the purposes of properly co-acting with the strike plate 13, as will presently be described. in this regard, it will be seen that the extreme outboard end la of the tongue 31 is off-set with respect to the plane of the mounting plate 26 as a result of being arcua'tely bent as at Additionally, this extreme outboard end 31a of the tongue 31, has an additional bend as at 33 (see Figures 1 and 3) so that the top edge 31b is oilset further with respect to the plane of the plate 2% than is the bottom edge 310, with this last mentioned off-set portion generally being the section of the tongue I51 that co-acts with the strike plate 13.

Referring now to Figures 1, 4 and 5, it will be seen that the strike plate 13 includes a flat rectangular base plate 4%) that has provided therein the usual apertures as, 4011 for attaching the same with respect to the distal stile 15 of the movable sash as is shown in Figure 2 of the drawings. Additionally, the plate ii is further shown as having the surface 41 thereof provided with a projection 42 that is located substantially medially between the longitudinal sides of the plate 4%. In addition to the aforementioned component parts, the longitudinal edge (see Figure l) of plate 4% defines a flange portion 4-4 that a flared enlarged end portion 45 to which is attached a return flange &6 of similar configuration; the arrangement being such that the flange 46 includes a segment 46a that is parallel to the surface 41, as well as a second inclined surface 46b, the plane of which is angularly disposed with respect to the plane of the surface 41. In this manner, the flanges 44 and 46 define a hood-like cover with access being available for the latch tongue 31 between the flange 46 and the body 40 through its open side.

In use or operation of the improved closure means, reference is first made to Figures 6, 7 and 8 of the drawings with the understanding that the operation will be described in connection with these figures.

Accordingly, Figure 6 shows the position of the component parts prior to closure operation of the member 10 with distance X representing the distance between the interior faces of the fixed sash and movable frame.

Similarly, Figure 7 shows the relationship between the component parts when the closure member 19 has been operated to draw the component parts into the position of full closure with the letter Y representing the decreased distance between the interior faces in this instance.

In Figure 8, the closure member 10 has been initiated to crack the window slightly with an increased dimension Z resulting between the interior faces.

Considering first Figure 6 of the drawings, it will be seen that the handle 26 has been raised vertically so that the pin 27 provided on the opposed end thereof, as a result of riding in slot 28, has moved the latch tongue 12 downwardly to its extreme lower position so that clearance is provided between the portion 31!) thereof and the flange portion 46b of the strike plate 13. To assume the position of Figure 6, it is merely necessary that the handle 26 be raised so that the crank operator (not shown) can move the strike plate 13, which is attached to stile 15, to the position of Figure 6.

When the position of Figure 6 has been reached, it is merely necessary that the handle 26 be moved downwardly (Figure 6) about the pivot pin with such movement resulting in a raising of a latch tongue 31. This raising of the latch tongue 31 will cause the arcuate olfset surface 31b to engage the underside of flange 46b with the result that this complemcntal engagement will cause the strike plate 13 to move to the left of Figure 6, with full movement of the handle 26 resulting in the component parts assuming the position of Figure 7 of the drawings. At this time, the device is firmly located in place at dimension Y and the same could not be separated due to the engagement between the tongue 31 and the flange 46.

When it is desired to open the window, it is merely necessary that the handle 26 be raised which will result in a downward movement of the latch tongue 31 from the position of Figure 7 of the drawings. During this downward movement, it is believed apparent that the end 310 of the latch tongue will clear the projection 42 so that the same will first be struck by the off-set portion appearing above the bend line 33. This contact will force the projection 42 to the right of Figure 7 towards the position of Figure 8 and it is believed apparent that this cracking will have operated to initially open the window to the point where the same can now be conveniently operated by the crank operator.

It will be seen from the foregoing that there has been provided a new and novel type of locking means for casement windows of the sliding hinge type. It has been shown how this locking means, in addition to drawing up the window in a fully locked position, also operates to initially crack the movable sash with respect to the fixed frame so that the crank operator can be operated, with such cracking operating to move the window off a dead center position that resists movement by the crank operator.

While a detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention has been set forth in the preceding paragraphs, it is to be understood. that the invention is not limited in size, configuration or material to the above recited specification.

Accordingly, it follows that modifications of the invention may be resorted to without departing from the spirit hereof or the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A latch member of the character described, comprising; a mounting plate; a housing carried by said mounting and being spaced therefrom at one edge thereof; a latch tongue received in said space between said housing and said plate and projecting therefrom; actuating means'carried by said housing and operatively attached to said tongue whereby the same may be shifted in said space; said projecting end of. said tongue including opposed planar surfaces interconnected by longitudinally extending edge surfaces; said projecting end of said tongue being bent whereby said longitudinal edges are moved out of coplanar relationship with each other.

2. A latch member of the character described, comprising; a mounting plate; a housing carried by said mounting and being spaced therefrom at one edge thereof; a latch tongue received in said space between said housing and said plate and projecting therefrom; actuating means carried by said housing and operatively attached to said tongue whereby the same may be shifted in said space; including opposed planar surfaces interconnected by longitudinally extending edge surfaces; said projecting end of said tongue being bent whereby said longitudinal edges are moved out of coplanar relation ship with each other; said edge surface of said projecting end being further disposed out of coplanar relationship with the remaining longitudinal edge surfaces of said tongue.

3. A strike and latch mechanism for use with relatively moveable closure members, comprising; a strike base having a strike surface; a strike plate overlying said strike base in spaced relationship therewith and having a strike surface opposed to saidstrike surface of said base; a latch base; a latch tongue, actuating means for said latch tongue pivotally mounted onsaid latch base, said latch tongue being moveable transversely of said latch base and having a projecting end receivable between said opposed strike surfaces of said strike .base and said strike plate upon movement of said latch tongue in one direction; and cam means projecting from-said strike surface of said strike base towards said strike sur: face of said strike plate and being engaged by said projecting end of said latch tongue upon movement thereof in another direction.

4. A strike and latch mechanism for use with relatively moveable closure members, comprising; a strike ,base having a strike surface; a strike plate overlying said strike base in spaced relationship therewith and having a strike surface opposed to said strike surface of said base; a latch base; a latch tongue, actuating means for said latch tongue pivotally mounted on said latch base, said latch tongue being moveable transversely of said latch base and having a projecting end receivable between said opposed strike surfaces of said strike base and said strike plate upon movement of said latch tongue in one direction; cam means projecting from said strike surface of said strike base towards said strike surface of said strike plate and being engaged by said projecting end of said latch tongue upon movement thereof in another direction; and means for causing relative separating movement between said strike base and said latch base upon engagement of said tongue with said cam means followed by continued movement of said tongue thereacross.

5. A strike and latch mechanism for use with relatively moveable closure members, comprising; a strike base having a strike surface; a strike plate overlying said strike base in spaced relationship therewith and having a strike surface opposed to said strike surface of said base; a latch base; a latch tongue, actuating means for said latch tongue pivotally mounted on said latch base, said latch tongue being moveable transversely of said latch base and having a projecting end receivable between said opposed strike surfaces of said strike base and said strike plate upon movement of said latch tongue in one direction; and cam means projecting from said strike surface of said strike base towards said strike surface of said strike plate and being engaged by said projecting end of said latch tongue upon movement thereof in another direction; said cam means being defined by a rounded projection.

6. A strike and latch mechanism for use with relatively moveable closure members, comprising; a strike base having a strike surface; a strike plate overlying said strike base in spaced relationship therewith and having a strike surface opposed to said strike surface of said base; a latch base; a latch tongue, actuating means for said latch tongue pivotally mounted on said latch base, said latch tongue being moveable transversely of said latch base and having a projecting end receivable between said opposed strike surfaces of said strike base and said strike plate upon movement of said latch tongue in one direction; and cam means projecting from said strike surface of said strike base towards said strike surface of said strike plate and being engaged by said projecting end of said latch tongue upon movement thereof in another direction; said strike surface of said strike plate being defined by at least two planar surfaces, the first of which is parallel to said strike surface of said strike base and the second of which is disposed at an acute angle therewith whereby an enlarged mouth opening is defined.

7. A strike and latch mechanism for use with relatively moveable closure members, comprising; a strike base having a strike surface; a strike plate overlying said strike base in spaced relationship therewith and having a strike surface opposed to said strike surface of said base; a latch base; a latch tongue, actuating means for said latch tongue pivotally mounted on said latch base, said latch tongue being moveable transversely of said latch base and having a projecting end receivable between said opposed strike surfaces of said strike base and said strike plate upon movement of said latch tongue in one direction; and cam means projecting from said strike surface of said strike base towards said strike surface of said strike plate and being engaged by said projecting end of said latch tongue upon movement thereof in another direction; said strike surface of said strike plate being defined by at least two planar surfaces, the first of which is parallel to said strike surface of said strike base and the second of which is disposed at an acute angle therewith whereby an enlarged mouth opening is defined; said cam means being defined by a rounded projection that projects towards said second planar surface.

8. A strike and latch mechanism for use with relatively moveable closure members, comprising; a strike base having a strike surface; a strike plate overlying said strike base in spaced relationship therewith and having a strike surface opposed to said strike surface of said base; a latch base; a latch tongue, actuating means for said latch tongue pivotally mounted on said latch base, said latch tongue being moveable transversely of said latch base and having a projecting end receivable between said opposed strike surfaces of said strike base and said strike plate upon movement of said latch tongue in one direction; cam means projecting from said strike surface of said strike base towards said strike surface of said strike plate and being engaged by said projecting end of said latch tongue upon movement thereof in another direction; and means for causing relative separating movement between said strike base and said latch base upon engagement of said tongue with said cam means followed by continued movement of said tongue thereacross; said means including an offset end portion on said latch tongue.

9. The device of claim 8 further characterized by the fact that said ofiset end portion includes opposed planar surfaces respectively engageable with said cam means and said strike surface of said strike plate during opening and closing of said relatively moveable closure member.

10. A strike and latch mechanism for use with relatively moveable closure members, comprising; a strike base having a strike surface; a strike plate overlying said strike base in spaced relationship therewith and having a strike surface opposed to said strike surface of said base; a latch base; a latch tongue, actuating means for said latch tongue pivotally mounted on said latch base, said latch tongue being moveable transversely of said latch base and having a projecting end receivable between said opposed strike surfaces of said strike base and said strike plate upon movement of said latch tongue in one direction; and cam means projecting from said strike surface of said strike base towards said strike surface of said strike plate and being engaged by said projecting end of said latch tongue upon movement thereof in another direction; said latch tongue having its projecting end defined by opposed planar surfaces that are respectively engageable with said cam means and said strike surface of said strike plate during opening and closing References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 420,365 Trotter Jan. 28, 1890 968,334 Ellsworth Aug; 23, 1910 999,413 Stark Aug. 1, 1911 1,215,752 Walraven Feb. 13, 1917 1,387,903 Price Aug. 16, 1921 2,138,933 Moseley Dec. 6, 1938 

